Flat Dark Earth Build

[giggitygiggity]

Primary Arms had their Aero Precision FDE stripped lowers on sale for less than $60 for their military customers today. I bought a couple as these are normally $110 ($90 if on sale) normally. I'd like to build a FDE rifle and would like to keep as many components FDE as possible.

What options are there with respect to FDE barrels? I am looking for 18" mid or rifle gas system or a 16" carbine or mid gas system.

Who makes FDE 7075 T6 buffer tubes?

Are there any FDE lower parts kits (safety, bolt release, etc)?

Lastly, what are your recommendations for an upper receiver and MLOC rail? I am interested in the Aero Precision M4E1 enhanced upper, but would like to hear first person feedback on how they work and if they're worth it.

I'd love your recommendations. Thanks!

 

[Demi-human]

I like my Mfour-Eone receiver set. All the same functionality, with nicer lines.
I like their enhanced M-lok forearm. It is just right for my hands. They have a slimmer one, the Atlas. This must have the threaded reciever.

I find anything from Aero to be top notch and totally worth it. Though I'm sure there are better as well as more expensive options.

I am considering an Mfive-Eone in FDE to be made into a Six Creedmoor, as I already have enough black ones. But I need a new rifle like a toothache.

Schyulers Arms always has great deals on scratched receiver sets. And B.Kings has some very nice Cerakoted ones, in all colors and patterns, for a good price.

Depending on how exposed the barrel is you might consider paint for it. Far and away cheaper if the forearm is long and protective. The buffer tube should be Cerakote though.

I hope it all matches ok. That's one benefit to an assembled rifle spray over.
You'll like Aero.

 

[Varminterror]

Aero lower, Aero upper, Aero handguard. You won’t be disappointed. Not many, if any FDE barrels available. Thousands of cerakote applicators out there to solve your barrel and other parts problem, a barrel and all of your smalls should only cost around $200, maybe less if your applicator can lump yours in with another customer.

Most likely, you will end up with better parts and won’t have to waste time painting yourself into a corner by seeking factory FDE parts if you have a cerakote applicator coat your selected parts. I’d also expect you’d break even or save money as well, since you won’t have to pay upcharged costs and potential shipping costs by being stuck with one or two brands from one or two sources. I’ve bought a few hundred lower parts kits in the last ~20yrs, I don’t recall seeing more than a couple FDE kits, and typically they were $50-75, whereas my normal mil-spec kit I use is $20-30.

Also, most importantly when you’re building with a specific aesthetic in mind, not all FDE is created equally. When you have the parts cerakoted after, they will all be the same color. Your Aero parts you’re considering are also cerakoted, so they’ll match any cerakote by any applicator. Alternatively, if you buy an FDE handguard or buffer tube which might be anodized instead of coated, it’ll typically be a more golden bronze than the cerakoted receivers. Many plastic parts will be more brown or green, or a lighter sand tan than will be the Aero cerakoted receivers.

So my recommendation is to simply buy the parts you want, and have them all cerakoted after you’ve done your initial assembly and function test.

 

[Pat Riot]

What Varminterror said.